MANILA, Philippines – South Korea is targeting to deliver the first three of the 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft to the Philippines before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s term in 2028, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said.
In an interview with reporters in Makati City, Ambassador Lee expressed confidence that the Philippines’ latest acquisition will contribute to the development of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“So, this additional purchase of twelve F-50s, we believe it will make a significant improvement also for the Air Force of the Philippines,” Lee said.
“The first batch will be delivered, we hope, before the end of the term of the Marcos administration,” he added.
The Department of National Defense (DND) announced last June the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) of the Republic of Korea, as part of the AFP modernization program under the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
A Notice to Proceed was issued earlier in the month, formalizing the contract valued at over USD 700 million, DND said in its announcement.
The comprehensive package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system, the DND added.
“The FA-50 Block 70 represents the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range. Its acquisition marks a significant enhancement to the country’s air defense capabilities and aligns with the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” the DND explained.
The Defense Department added that the delivery of the aircraft will be carried out in phases over the next five years, with full completion targeted by 2030.
The Philippines and South Korea elevated ties to a strategic partnership last October, including broader defense and security cooperation.
This was announced during the visit of then South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to the Philippines, and meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., to which Yoon pledged to help modernize the Philippine military.
